Geneva, April 17 (QNA) - The UNICEF has said that at least 172 children have been killed and 661 injured in Lebanon over the past 46 days amid escalating violence.

In a statement issued from Geneva, the agency said more than 415,000 children have been displaced from their homes during the recent escalation.

UNICEF welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon overnight, describing it as a "critical opportunity" to protect children and families who have endured severe hardship.

The agency stressed that the truce must hold and called for full respect for international law, echoing appeals from the United Nations for compliance with humanitarian protections at all times.

UNICEF warned that children in Lebanon need more than a temporary halt in hostilities, saying they require a real chance to recover amid widespread destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and essential infrastructure.

It highlighted urgent priorities including restoring education, healthcare, water systems and other basic services.

The agency also called on donor countries to scale up support urgently, saying it is essential to ensure children receive protection, care and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. (QNA)